The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and to encourage Phillips County residents to take proactive steps toward maintaining good brain health, Colorado State University Extension has launched the "Love Your Brain Health Campaign." This 30-day challenge includes access to a private Facebook group (optional), weekly fun challenges, tips and emails focusing on various aspects of health, such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental sharpness, socialization, hearing, medication management, art and more.

The brain is an incredible part of the body. It helps express thoughts and emotions, coordinate movements, store memories and solve problems. However, many of us take our brains for granted and don't start thinking about brain health until we notice cognitive decline in later years. Research suggests that making healthy choices and addressing certain modifiable risk factors can reduce the risk of mental decline and potentially protect cognitive health. While certain factors like genetics and age cannot be changed, research suggests what is healthy for our hearts will also greatly benefit our brains. Studies show that having two or more chronic conditions in middle age is associated with an increased risk of dementia later in life. Two-thirds of Americans have one major potential risk factor for dementia.

Dementia is a non-reversible decline in mental function that causes memory loss, personality changes or some impairment. Alzheimer's disease is a type of brain disease, just as coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease. Alzheimer's disease gradually and irreversibly destroys memory and thinking skills. It's important to note research shows brain changes related to Alzheimer's begin 20 years before symptoms are noticeable. By adopting healthy lifestyle choices, we can keep our brains healthy and decrease the risk of chronic health conditions, allowing us to enjoy the aging process for longer.

Phillips County will have access to the InBody, body composition machine to accompany the "Love Your Brain" Health Campaign. In November, scans will be discounted at $10 for anyone over 18. The scan is a quick, non-invasive way to measure a person's body fat, water, lean mass, weight, and more. The printed results show progress if done before and can be a great starting point. Scans are available at the Haxtun Community Center on Nov. 10 and 21 and at the Colorado State University Phillips County Extension Office in Holyoke on Nov. 17 and 27. Scans are not recommended for anyone with an implant like a pacemaker.

The "Love Your Brain Health Campaign" starts on Wednesday, Nov. 1 and ends on Thursday, Nov. 30. There is a small $20 cost, payable in cash or check to Phillips County Extension with 'Think Brain Health' in the memo. Mail payments to Phillips County Extension, c/o Stephanie Starkebaum, P.O. Box 328, Holyoke, CO 80734. Once payment is received, participants will be emailed and invited to a private Facebook group by Tuesday, Oct. 31. Scan the QR code or use the link to register: https://col.st/7WniF.

For questions or to schedule your InBody scan, please call CSU Phillips County Extension Office at (970) 854-3616 or email [email protected].